Tips, News and Information for Traveling the World

Monthly Archives: September 2013

Unlike in other Latin American countries, Bolivia offers a safer and more secure environment. You can travel around the city on your own, stay out late at night, and even run for help right away whenever you feel like you’re in danger. It may be difficult to communicate with the locals due to the language difference, but they are actually helpful to tourists in need of help.

So what do you expect when you travel to Bolivia? Here are some important things to keep in mind:

1. Drugs are illegal.

One of the most essential things you need to realize is that drugs are not rampant in Bolivia or in other South American countries. Substances such as marijuana, heroin and cocaine are strictly prohibited, and you may get jailed for that.

The locals however are often seen chewing coca leaves, and this is normal. This is their way to beat altitude sickness, and this is not illegal.

2. The language is Spanish.

If you can speak a little Spanish, you can go a long way in Bolivia. This is because Spanish is the national language in the country, and being able to greet the locals in their mother tongue is very much appreciated.

3. Liquor laws.

If you are going to travel to Bolivia and have a night of drinking there, then better be 18 or older. Liquor laws are observed in the country, and you may not want to spend a night in jail just because you went on an underage drinking binge.

Laos is a country that has no ocean. It doesn’t have beaches or surfing spots, as its main water forms are rivers and lakes. But while it is technically landlocked, this country has a lot to offer to tourists. In fact, you may get surprised at its tourist attractions.

But what are the places to see when you travel to Laos? Here are a few top recommendations:

1. Vientiane

The capital of Laos, Vientiane is the home of the relics of Buddha. The city offers a lot of parks, such as the Buddha Park, Haw Phra, Patuxay, and the Lao National Museum, among many others. This is the place where you can learn everything about Laos as a country and as a people.

There are not so many skyscrapers in the city, so you can still enjoy a laidback vibe while in Vientiane.

2. Luang Prabang

If you are going to travel to Laos, you shouldn’t miss Luang Prabang. This ancient city offers the ruins of the Laotian empire, which is both a mix of French architecture and Buddhist-inspired temples. The city is also the place where you can find the terrace waterfall that flows beautifully towards the Mekong River.

3. Pak Ou Caves.

The Pak Ou Caves are also located at the Mekong River, and are known for being the sanctuary of thousands of Buddha relics. The caves are still being used as worship areas by the Buddhist monks, although they have since been open to tourists too. You can either drive to the caves from Luang Prabang, or take a boat from the other side of the river in order to reach the caves.

Cruising is not really a popular way to spend a vacation in Asia, but if you do decide to ride the boat conquer the waters, then why not travel in Indochina? Indochina is a region in Southeast Asia that’s composed of three countries: Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.

There are a lot of reasons to go on an Indochina vacation. If you haven’t realized these yet, then here are a few pointers to think about:

1. The cost of travel is cheap.

Did you know that you can easily become a millionaire in Vietnam alone? This is because of their low currency exchange value-$300 in US denomination is already equal to 1 million dong.

You should definitely take advantage of this low currency value, as it can get you a long way not just in Vietnam, but in Laos and Cambodia too.

2. You get to see the Angkor Wat.

Are you a big fan of Tomb Raider, or at least of being an adventurer? Then through an Indochina tour, you get to live like Lara Croft for a day or two, as most packages include trips to the Angkor Wat and Angkor Tom. Cambodia also has a lot of pagodas that you can visit too.

3. Go for gold in Laos.

While Vietnam and Laos are known for their riverside adventures, in Laos it’s different. This is one of the few places on earth where gold is a normal item lying on the ground. In fact, its most popular tourist attractions are that of giant Buddha statues made of pure gold. You simply wouldn’t want to miss this Ancient wonder, don’t you?